The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce presented the University with the Smith Seal of N.C. Sustainable Business Award. It was the University’s first time winning the award designed to acknowledge businesses supporting and working toward the advancement of sustainability.

According to a news release, the award recognizes businesses that have embraced the spirit of sustainability by incorporating environmentally conscious practices. David Dean, outreach and communications coordinator for the Office of Sustainability, said the University was chosen for the award because of previous enhancements and plans for future sustainability projects.  “N.C. State won because of a multitude of efforts and programs happening on campus,” Dean said. ”Winning the Smith Seal Sustainability Business Award says more about the forward progress N.C. State is making as a whole, rather than just the Sustainability Office.”   In 2008, the University experienced arguably the most noticeable sustainability change when University Dining implemented trayless dining halls. Since then, they have continued the pursuit of sustainability by switching to GreenSeal cleaning products, microfiber mops that use less water, a filtration vacuum system and catch-and-release pest control.   According to Dean, the changes allow University Housekeeping to be “one of the most aggressive green cleaning programs in the country.”  Dean also said he believes this award reflects the awareness that the University has about impacting the environment and that students’ awareness of these issues is pushing the University to rethink sustainability.  “It is my belief that students today are more aware of their impact than any generation prior,” Dean said. “With wireless technology in just about every corner of the world, we can see in real time the implications of a cracked oil well, deforestation or starvation.  Current and prospective students want to know they are a part of an organization that is making strides to solve some of the world’s greatest problems.”   The EPA selected Tucker Hall as one of 14 buildings to take part in the EPA’s EnergyStar competition. Only two N.C. universities, NCSU and UNC-Chapel Hill, had buildings selected.   “If you spend any amount of time on campus you will realize all the great things this University is challenging itself with.  Now the outside world is starting to really take notice,” Dean said.   Dean said students should take pride in the University’s efforts to go green.   “The faculty, staff and students at N.C. State should all feel a sense of accomplishment and be very proud they won this award.”

Charles Leffler, vice chancellor of finance and business, accepted the award on May 4 at the Raleigh Convention Center.